Toy launch apparatus with multiple improvised projectile checking and locking methods

Abstract

An improvised projectile checking housing assembly having latch button and first and second sidewalls with first and second catch apertures opening as a catch latch recess of elongated structure using an improvised projectile checking spring opening to receive a locking key structure based upon the projectile receiving opening to the improvised projectile checking housing assembly. Alternate rearward translating lock gauge at the backside of a dart drum uses a follower and engaging cam surfaces locking and unlocking a pathway for correct dart alignment. Alternate motorized, non-motorized and pneumatic structures are disclosed with apparatus launch operations moving between checking and non-checking positions.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A toy launch apparatus for launching projectiles of predetermined dimensions with projectile checking features to inhibit discharging of unacceptable objects therefrom, the launch apparatus comprising:
 a barrel having an interior; 
 the interior of the barrel including a backside structure designed to receive a rearward feature of an inserted object for the launch apparatus to operate; 
 a first diameter step structure intermediate the interior of the barrel; and 
 a second diameter step structure at the front of the interior of the barrel, the projectiles of predetermined dimensions each including a cylindrical body that is engaged by the second diameter step structure where the second diameter step structure at the front of the interior of the barrel limits the size of the projectile body for engagement at the front of the interior of the barrel, the first diameter step defining an intermediate recess structure in the interior of the barrel to inhibit discharging of the inserted object unless the inserted object has corresponding structure dimensioned to be present at the second diameter step structure and the backside structure of the interior of the barrel. 
 
     
     
       2. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the predetermined dimensions of projectiles are complementary to the second diameter step structure for engagement at the front of the interior of the barrel. 
 
     
     
       3. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the projectiles of predetermined dimensions have a stepped backside including a nub at the rear of the projectiles. 
 
     
     
       4. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the interior of the barrel includes a back wall. 
 
     
     
       5. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the barrel includes a front opening. 
 
     
     
       6. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 1 , including:
 a pneumatic air piston cylinder being complementary with second diameter step structure at the front of the interior of the barrel of the launch apparatus for launching the projectiles of predetermined dimensions with projectile checking features to inhibit discharging of unacceptable objects from the barrel. 
 
     
     
       7. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the projectiles of predetermined dimensions each includes a step structure that complements the interior of the barrel. 
 
     
     
       8. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the projectiles of predetermined dimensions each includes a nub at the rear of the projectiles. 
 
     
     
       9. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the projectiles of predetermined dimensions each includes a stepped backside. 
 
     
     
       10. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the interior of the barrel includes a backside wall structure. 
 
     
     
       11. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the barrel includes a front opening. 
 
     
     
       12. A toy launch apparatus for launching projectiles of predetermined dimensions with projectile checking features to inhibit discharging of unacceptable objects therefrom, the launch apparatus comprising:
 a barrel having an interior surface for retaining projectiles to be launched; 
 the interior of the barrel including a backside structure designed to receive a rearward feature of an inserted object for the launch apparatus to operate; 
 a first diameter step structure intermediate the interior of the barrel; and 
 a second diameter step structure at the front of the interior of the barrel, the first diameter step defining an intermediate recess structure in the interior of the barrel to inhibit discharging of the inserted object unless the inserted object has corresponding structure dimensioned to be present at the second diameter step structure and the backside structure of the interior of the barrel. 
 
     
     
       13. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the second diameter step structure at the front of the interior of the barrel limits the size of the projectile body for engagement at the front of the interior of the barrel. 
 
     
     
       14. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the projectiles of predetermined dimensions include a step structure that complements the interior of the barrel. 
 
     
     
       15. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the projectiles of predetermined dimensions each includes a nub at the rear of the projectiles; and 
 the projectiles of predetermined dimensions each includes a stepped backside. 
 
     
     
       16. A method for constructing a toy launch apparatus designed to launch projectiles and having projectile checking features to prevent unacceptable objects from being discharge, comprising the steps of:
 forming a barrel having an interior surface for retaining projectiles to be launched; 
 forming a backside structure on the interior surface designed to receive a rearward feature of an inserted object for the launch apparatus to operate; 
 forming a first diameter step structure intermediate the interior surface of the barrel; and 
 forming a second diameter step structure at the front of the interior surface of the barrel, wherein the second diameter step structure at the front of the interior of the barrel limits the size of the projectile body for engagement at the front of the interior of the barrel, the first diameter step defining an intermediate recess structure in the interior of the barrel to inhibit discharging of the inserted object unless the inserted object has corresponding structure dimensioned to be present at the second diameter step structure and the backside structure of the interior of the barrel. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , including the step of:
 forming projectiles for the toy launch apparatus having predetermined dimensions complementary to the second diameter step structure for engagement at the front of the interior of the barrel. 
 
     
     
       18. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the predetermined dimensions of projectiles are complementary to the second diameter step structure for engagement at the front of the interior of the barrel. 
 
     
     
       19. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the interior of the barrel includes a back wall; and 
 the barrel includes a front opening. 
 
     
     
       20. The toy launch apparatus of  claim 12 , including:
 a pneumatic air piston cylinder being complementary with second diameter step structure at the front of the interior of the barrel of the launch apparatus for launching the projectiles of predetermined dimensions with projectile checking features to inhibit discharging of unacceptable objects from the barrel.